--- title: "The Importance of Early Learning in Literacy and Numeracy: Insights from the TIMSS Study" description: Recent findings from the TIMSS study highlight the critical role early literacy and numeracy skills play in a child's academic journey. Discover how starting school with core skills can set the stage for long-term success in maths and science. image: https://blog.pascalpress.com.au/hubfs/Copy%20of%20VS%20ESSENTIAL%20SKILLS%20(1032%20x%20516%20px)%20(781%20x%20588%20px)%20(3).png --- Toggle menu - [Sign In](https://pascalpress.com.au/login.php) [Register](https://pascalpress.com.au/login.php?action=create_account) Search - [FREE-TO-DOWNLOAD RESOURCES](https://pascalpress.com.au/free-to-download-resources/) - $9.95 Delivery AUSTRALIA WIDE -   -   -   Search - [Sign In](https://pascalpress.com.au/login.php) - [Register](https://pascalpress.com.au/login.php?action=create_account) - [BY YEAR](https://pascalpress.com.au/year/) - - [Primary](https://pascalpress.com.au/primary/) - [Kindergarten](https://pascalpress.com.au/kindergarten/) - [Year 1](https://pascalpress.com.au/year-1/) - [Year 2](https://pascalpress.com.au/year-2/) - [Year 3](https://pascalpress.com.au/year-3/) - [Year 4](https://pascalpress.com.au/year-4/) - [Year 5](https://pascalpress.com.au/year-5/) - 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[Catalogues](https://pascalpress.com.au/catalogues/) - [Home](https://pascalpress.com.au/) - [Pascal Press Blog](https://blog.pascalpress.com.au) - [The Importance of Early Learning in Literacy and Numeracy: Insights from the TIMSS Study](https://blog.pascalpress.com.au/the-importance-of-early-learning-in-literacy-and-numeracy-insights-from-the-timss-study) ![Copy of Untitled Design (5)](https://blog.pascalpress.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Copy%20of%20Untitled%20Design%20(5).png?width=1032&height=516&name=Copy%20of%20Untitled%20Design%20(5).png) The Importance of Early Learning in Literacy and Numeracy **By Pascal Press** I *July 3, 2025* ## Insights from the TIMSS Study: Why Early Learning Matters The *Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study* (TIMSS) has once again highlighted how critical early learning is to long-term academic achievement. Recent findings show that children who begin school with foundational skills such as recognising letters, reading simple words, counting, and basic addition tend to perform significantly better in maths and science by Year 4¹. The study, which analysed data from more than 14,000 Australian students, confirms that these early competencies do not just give students a head start but set the trajectory for future learning. As reported in *The Age*, “Australian kindergarten students whose classmates start school with core literacy and numeracy skills perform considerably better in maths and science by Year 4”¹. These core skills help children engage more confidently in the classroom, grasp complex concepts with greater ease, and stay motivated as learning becomes more challenging. For parents and educators, the research sends a clear message: early school readiness has a lasting impact.   ## The Critical Role of Early Core Skills in Academic Success Early literacy and numeracy skills are not simply helpful; they are foundational. According to the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), students who begin school with strong early learning skills consistently outperform their peers in later years across multiple subjects, not just in maths and science². This is because early learning builds what researchers call cumulative advantage: the more a child knows when they start, the more they are able to learn and retain later². Dr Dan Cloney, senior research fellow at ACER, explains that learning is cumulative and that skills developed between the ages of two and five are strong predictors of later achievement³. Children who can recognise letters, manipulate numbers, and engage in structured tasks early on tend to transition more smoothly into formal schooling, where those skills are reinforced and expanded upon. International data supports this view. A 2023 OECD report found that children who attended high-quality early childhood education programs demonstrated higher levels of literacy, numeracy, and socio-emotional skills by the time they reached primary school⁴. The earlier these foundations are laid, the greater the long-term benefit.   ## Key Skills That Foster Success in Literacy and Numeracy Research from ACER and TIMSS shows that children who begin school with key literacy and numeracy skills tend to perform better by Year 4, particularly in maths and science⁵. These abilities help children engage confidently in classroom learning and build strong foundations for future success. Here are the 11 school-readiness skills linked to stronger academic outcomes: - Recognising letters of the alphabet - Knowing the sounds letters make - Reading simple words - Writing basic words (not just their name) - Understanding simple sentence structure - Counting to 20 or higher - Recognising numbers up to 100 - Writing numbers from 1 to 10 - Doing basic addition and subtraction - Recognising patterns and sequences - Using fine motor skills (for example, for writing or puzzles) According to the OECD, children who master these skills early are better prepared for both academic and social aspects of school⁴. The encouraging news is that these are all skills that can be developed through everyday play, reading, and early learning support at home or in preschool.   ## Practical Tools to Support Early Learning We offer a range of early years resources that help children build strong foundations in literacy and numeracy. These are ideal for both home and classroom use. [**ABC Mathseeds**](https://pascalpress.com.au/abc-mathseeds/) These colourful workbooks focus on essential early maths skills including number recognition, counting, patterns, and basic operations. Each book includes engaging activities and reward stickers to keep young learners motivated. [**ABC Reading Eggs**](https://pascalpress.com.au/abc-reading-eggs/) Designed to support early reading and comprehension, these workbooks cover phonics, sight words, and sentence structure. The step-by-step activities help children build confidence and develop fluency. [**Excel Early Skills**](https://pascalpress.com.au/excel/?_bc_fsnf=1&SUB+BRAND=Excel+Early+Skills) This comprehensive series supports both literacy and numeracy development through carefully sequenced exercises. The content is age-appropriate, easy to follow, and ideal for reinforcing learning at home or in the classroom. Each series is aligned with the Australian Curriculum and developed to support children during the most important early years of education.     **References** 1. *The Age*. (2025, June 25). *Early starters have the edge in maths and science, international study shows*. [https://www.theage.com.au](https://www.theage.com.au) 2. Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER). (2023). *Starting Strong: Evidence on early learning’s long-term impact*. [https://www.acer.org](https://www.acer.org) 3. Cloney, D. (2023). Personal commentary on early childhood education. ACER. https://www.acer.org/blog/learning-is-cumulative 4. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). (2023). *Starting Strong VI: Supporting Meaningful Interactions in Early Childhood Education and Care*. [https://www.oecd.org](https://www.oecd.org) 5. TIMSS 2023 Australian National Report. (2024). 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